im looking for all the alfonso that lived in cuba and spain.. im tracing my roots from arthur m. alfonso generation back. he died recently last year on nove 26. 2004 . any information will be appreciated. thanks dawn.

Dear Dawn,

You should start by finding as much as you can about your Alfonso who recently died. His death certificate, if he died in the U.S., should have his parents' names and place of birth. Did he leave Cuba to come to the US? In genealogy, always start with the person nearest you and work back: death certificates, marriage certificates, birth, etc. Then the same for his parents. Ask any and all relatives what they know. Much of it may be mistaken, but it's all a clue. It's like a treasure hunt, because when you find that first piece of information you'll be so excited!

I have a lot of Alfonsos in my Cuban line, going back to Spain.

Good luck and don't give up! It's worth it! Spanish and Cuban records are marvelous, especially because the mother's name is incorporated into the surname (Martinez(father) y Rodriguez (mother).

Once you get back a couple of generations you'll have to get acquainted with "Historia de Familias Cubanas", 9 volumes of family histories. Available through LDS Family History Centers on microfilm. You don't have to be Mormon.

Well, that should get you started. If I can help, let me know.

Ruth in FL

is alfonso also from cuba, generation back pedro gonzalez was married to carridad parra any information is helpful. thanks dawn

many of the Alfonsos were from the Canaries, specifically from Icod de los Vinos in Tenerife. Many also were Afonsos, and changed their name once in Cuba. My own ancestor was Nicolas Afonso-Calidonia and changed it to Alfonso when he came to Havana in 1776. Two of his brothers also came and did the same. Many settled in Santa Maria del Rosario, Guines and other smaller towns of Havana province. These were of Portuguese extraction, as many Icodenses were. Nicolas's son was Jose Maria, and his grandson Pablo Jose. Write if any of these link up with your ancestors. Mike